Submarine rescue specialists practise lifesaving capabilities in cold water
Teams from 10 Nato members, including the UK, have been participating in the world's most challenging submarine rescue exercise.
Dynamic Monarch saw personnel gather in Norway to test and refine their cold-water capabilities.
The exercise is held every three years and brings together forces from across the alliance to experience complex scenarios to reflect real-world situations submariners might face.
The training alternates between warm and cold water, with this year's being the first cold water iteration since 2014.
Britain, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey and the United States have all been taking part in the 10-day exercise.
Dynamic Monarch saw navies and personnel showcase the very latest in submarine rescue technology and operational strategies, and above all, enhance international co-operation to respond efficiently when lives are at stake.
State-of-the-art rescue ships NoCGV Barentshav from Norway, HMSwS Belos from Sweden and TCG Alemdar from Turkey are taking part.
The aim is to co-ordinate efforts to rescue personnel trapped inside distressed submarines, testing their capabilities in communication, operational procedures and emergency response.
The Nato Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) – which is jointly owned by the UK, France and Norway, and is based at HM Naval Base Clyde – trained alongside other partners from the alliance.
Its submersible rescue vehicle, Nemo, can dive down to around 600 metres to a submarine in distress and dock with escape hatches, enabling those inside to get out.
Nemo can rescue up to 15 people at a time, including patients on stretchers, returning them to the surface.
Operating teams aim to have it anywhere in the world within 96 hours.
Also taking part in the exercise are multinational medical teams who have been practising treating trauma patients inside special decompression chambers on board the rescue ships.
Commander, Submarines Nato, US Navy Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, said: "This exercise is a clear demonstration of the cooperation among submarine nations and the professionalism of the submarine rescue community.
"It underscores the importance of international cooperation in ensuring that all nations are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to submarine emergencies.
"The skills and experiences gained here will significantly contribute to the interoperability of our navies and broader maritime security co-operation initiatives."
The exercise took place in the waters of southern Norway.
The chief of the Norwegian Naval Fleet, Commodore Kyrre Haugen, said: "It's positive for both Nato and Norway that Dynamic Monarch is being held in waters near Arendal [a municipality in southeastern Norway] this year.
"As our allies get better at doing submarine rescue operations in colder climates, they also get to know our waters.
"Nato should be prepared to work together towards saving submariners in danger, no matter the area or what nation the submarine belongs to."
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